Sarah Womack

Womack's "Diggin Up Bluegrass" program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for 690 students at Greystone Elementary School. The students will engage in broad-based musical experiences while participating in hands-on, cutting-edge lessons that connect bluegrass music of the past to future musicians of the genre. They will learn from project-based activities that integrate subjects across the curriculum including patterns in musical form (math), sound (science), historical events (history), maps (geography), CD cover design (art), and clogging (physical education). In addition, the students will participate in hands-on sessions to discuss musical elements and instrument techniques. They will also learn history and current trends from local and regional bands and will eventually participate in an interactive concert with the bands for their families and the community to attend. With the funds from ING, the students will have the opportunity to build their skill sets and learn how to read, arrange, and perform music. Womack, who lives in Hoover, hopes that the program will develop enduring music makers among her students.